When she takes part in her fourth Walk of Memories on Sunday, Cathy Neal knows exactly what she’s walking for.
“What I’m doing it for is the people I work with,” Neal says. “I work with people with Alzheimers and I realize the seriousness of this disease and how bad it is.”
Neal works for Home Instead Senior Care, helping people with Alzheimer’s. Part of the job is doing laundry and shopping and taking them to appointments, but it’s also about companionship and giving their caregivers a break.
“When you see someone that you’ve become friends with and really highly regard go into that regressive mode, it’s really very sad. So I guess that’s why I continue to do this, because I feel I need to contribute and try to find a solution for this problem.”
There’s another reason Neal does the walk, and she laughs as she confesses it: “It’s in January, and what else can you do in January?”
Raising funds gives the Heidelberg resident a chance to connect with her neighbours, whose generosity impresses her.
The first year she took part, Neal raised $2,200, an amount she thought was “awesome.” Her second year she raised $3,600 and last year it was $4,600.
“I try to increase my amount every year, but this year I’m not going to be able to increase it. I guess the economy has taken a toll on it. It’s still pretty good, but it’s not as much as last year,” Neal says.
The money raised at the Walk for Memories goes to programs at the K-W Alzheimer Society, including support groups, respite care, caregiver education, awareness and the Safely Home bracelet program.
Although it can be tough to watch her clients deal with encroaching dementia, Neal says the job has its own rewards.
“The people are so appreciative and they so look forward to you coming. To be able to brighten someone’s day, to me the real reward is that.”
The 13th annual Walk for Memories takes place from 2 to 4 p.m. Jan 25, with registration at 1 p.m. The venue is the Waterloo Recreation Centre, and walkers, skaters and wheelchairs are welcome. For more information, check out www.alzheimerkw.ca. To register, visit www.walkformemories.ca.
